How to Find People for Free

Busy schedules and timid personalities can sometimes get in the way of finding and getting to know new people. Instead of letting your agenda or wall-flower ways hinder your social life, take initiative and find new people!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Finding New People in Places You Already Go

1
Approach people when running errands. Your weekly errands list probably includes a trip to the grocery store, filling up your tank, or stopping by the pharmacy. Although these tasks may seem mundane, they are great places to chat up new and interesting people. Next time you’re standing in line or browsing in the same aisle as another person, go out of your way to talk with them.
- Make it a goal to talk to a certain number of new people every time you go out. For example, try to say at least “hi” to three new people each time you run your errands.
- Don’t feel like you have to carry on a big conversation; simply greeting a new person and asking basic questions is enough to start. If the person is intrigued by you and you get along well, then the conversation will carry itself out naturally.
Heading to work or school is something you have to do anyway, so using public transportation kills two birds with one stone. Sitting or standing next to a new person on the bus, train, or metro is a great excuse to begin chatting. Plus, if you find someone you really enjoy, chances are they take the same public transportation on a regular basis. Meaning that you have the opportunity to see them often.
If you have studying or work to do, or simply want to read a book, try doing it in a public setting instead of in your home. Head to a local park, set up camp, and hang out with others who do the same. If you share a common activity with a nearby stranger, start up a conversation about it!^{[1]XResearch source}
Do you constantly see the same person in class or at work, but you’ve just never talked to them before? Then a great opportunity to meet someone new has presented itself to you. Approach that person you frequently see, start talking, and move past the ‘stranger’ zone you’ve currently been in.
If you are already planning on going to a get-together or party put on by a friend or family member, take initiative to avoid being a wallflower. Although you may know many or most of the people present, step out of your shell and talk to those at the party that you don’t.
If you go for walks, runs, or bike rides, consider moving your workout to a new location. Simply taking your dog for a walk at a local park is a simple means of finding people. Exercise in a more public location to get to know others who are doing the same.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Going Out of Your Way to Find New People

Nothing makes a better conversation starter than browsing the same section of books as someone else. If you are a literary creature and look forward to stops by the library or bookstore, do so with the intention of picking up some new books and social interests.^{[2]XResearch source}
Plenty of cities offer free shows by great bands. If you love music, find others with a similar interest by going to a free concert. Head out a little early and stay a little late to talk to other music fans about the show you’re set to see.
If you have a passion for a certain activity or organization, do double duty by helping out your community and meeting new people with similar interests. Volunteer for local programs on a regular basis, and you’ll meet plenty of new people for free.
4
Join a club. Even if you were never the type to join a club in high school or college, there’s nothing stopping you now! Join a local club that interests you - a runners club, a book club, a sports club, anything that catches your eye. These gatherings are full of people who you will share something in common with, making conversations easy.
- There are a lot of clubs based on culture and on personal interests, like photography club, music club, anime club, etc.
- You can also try engaging in volunteer work to meet other peers! Either volunteer work through a club at school, a religious organization, or a community organization.
Whether it is a local high school team or major league game, sporting events are packed with new people. Often local high schools offer free admission to games, and have stands full of people. Discussing the game is an easy excuse to start up a new conversation.
If simply watching a sports game isn’t enough for you, join a local coed sporting team. You’ll get some physical exercise, enjoy a bit of fun, and be forced into meeting new people of both genders. See what sports are recruiting team members in your area, and start playing!
Seminars are great for several reasons; they give you tons of helpful information, are totally free, and also give you the opportunity to get to know plenty of like-minded individuals. See if any stores, universities, or businesses in your area are giving seminars that you might be interested in. Staying around to talk about the event afterwards is perfect for finding people.
If you are spiritual or part of a religious group, use it to your advantage. Go to a new church/temple in your area or to a big gathering nearby. Sharing beliefs with those around you should make it more comfortable to approach new people. Plus, you know you’re a bit more compatible with these people you meet than just anyone off the street.
Free dancing lessons are booming these days, and many people are flocking to the events. Try out a free swing or square dance class in your area, or go to a club where people will be dancing anyway. If you’re outgoing enough to dance in front of others, you are certainly outgoing enough to get to know the people you’re dancing with.
Did you find out from the spur of the moment that a friend or acquaintance is hosting a party? Don’t avoid the social event - join in the fun! Parties, especially full of people you don’t know as well, are great places to find people. Plus, parties thrown by friends are normally free; win-win.
If you’re looking for new people, why not try the easy route of asking your friends to set you up? Plan events where your friends must bring a new plus one, or hang out with someone new that is mutually known to you.
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Expert Q&A

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How do I find friends after moving to a new school?
Katie Styzek
Professional School Counselor
Katie Styzek is a Professional School Counselor for Chicago Public Schools. Katie earned a BS in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She served as a middle school mathematics, science, and social studies teacher for three years prior to becoming a counselor. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling from DePaul University and an MA in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Katie holds an Illinois School Counselor Endorsement License (Type 73 Service Personnel), an Illinois Principal License (formerly Type 75), and an Illinois Elementary Education Teaching License (Type 03, K – 9). She is also Nationally Board Certified in School Counseling from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.
Katie Styzek
Professional School Counselor
Expert Answer
First, acknowledge your feelings, since moving away from your friends can make you feel sad. Try to stay in touch with your old friends, but make sure to put yourself out there! That said, there's no secret formula here. Simply try striking up conversations with new people at your school, asking them to be your partners in some projects and soon you'll be on your way to great new friendships. Remember to work on your confidence so this isn't too much of a struggle.
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Tips

If you know you're going out in attempts to find new people, make sure you are presentable and prepared. Put on a nice outfit, take care of your personal hygiene, and get pumped to meet new people!
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Ask plenty of questions. If you're the one starting a conversation with a new person, don't rely on them to carry on your talk. Assuming they're interested, they will eventually start new tangents in your conversation as well, but to start, it is all dependent on you.
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Don't limit yourself to certain locations. Meeting new people can happen absolutely anywhere; take advantage of each opportunity you are presented with!
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