image source: videoblocks.com
You can just go to your balcony and scream “Yo! Anyone looking for a friend? I’m loyal…” Okay, just kidding. Here’s the real deal.
So now, you’ve finally arrived Canada. You spend the first few weeks finding your bearing and are relatively settled then discover you have no one to talk to, ask questions or just have a cheerful conversation with. This was the story of my life when I first arrived Canada. Yes, you might probably know few people who live here as well but they are probably in other provinces, several hours away or just not as available as you had hoped. What do you do?
Well, here are some very useful tips to help you meet new people and make new friends even as a newbie in Canada.
WhatsApp groups: One of the things that helped me (and still helps me) through my process is joining WhatsApp groups of people going through the same process as I am. You can build a bond with this e-family and even make some close friends. There will be group hangouts organized occasionally where you can meet. I’ve made some great friends from my WhatsApp groups and we are doing just fine!
Church or religious groups: Yes, you can make friends in church too. This goes beyond going to church and dashing out as soon as it’s over. Get closer and find volunteering opportunities where you can meet with other volunteers as well. Don’t forget these are real people with social life and other interests as well so not all your conversations will be about “church.” I’ve made really good friends from Church and you should definitely give it a shot.
Networking events: When I used to hear networking events, I used to wonder so I just walk into the streets and start looking for somewhere groups are gathered? I know the word “networking” is so broad and unspecific but it simply means meeting new people. The big question is “Where?” There are several networking events that happen every day in Canada and one of the best ways to keep track of them is to download the Eventbrite app. This app shows you lots of networking events happening near you. It is also grouped into interests like career, arts, education, literature, etc. So whatever your interest, there is something for you. And when you get there, you have to actually network – talk to people, introduce yourself and get to know them and exchange contact details and meet up for coffee sometime.
Cultural groups an associations: As a Nigerian in Canada, there are many groups of Nigerian associations you can join. I recently attended a picnic for Nigerians from the Ibo ethnic group. I’m not a member of the association but its always fun to meet up other Nigerians at their events. You could find out about similar groups for your country as well. Canada is very multicultural so I’m certain you’ll find something if you dig a bit.
Reconnect: If you had friends who moved to Canada before you did, now will be a good time to reach out to them and let them know you now live here. If you had been keeping in touch with them before you got here, good for you! But if you haven’t, don’t expect too much because they might be busy but they could certainly invite you to gatherings and events, parties, potlucks, BBQ events, picnic, etc, where you can meet other people as well. I met some of my new friends through old friends I reconnected with when I came here.
Workplace: Yes, I know your office might seem like an unlikely place to make friends but it definitely is! Now the idea is not to start trying to get personal and all up in your colleagues’ faces, but you can start small conversations during lunch especially if you have some things in common. My friendship with one of my closest friends at work began with “Really, you’re from Ghana? I’m Nigerian. How long have you worked here?” This happened during lunch when I happened to be sitting on the same table with her and some other colleagues. Okay, the truth is I actually deliberately went to sit there with them.
There really isn’t any hard and fast rule to making friends as a newbie in Canada but you just have to be willing to put yourself out there. It also helps that Canadians are friendly. You should definitely give these tips a shot.
