Making Friends in Manchester: Tips & Tricks for Young Professionals

Discover the best tips and tricks for how to make friends in Manchester, brought to you by actual Mancunians living at the heart of all that this incredible city has to offer.

We get it – moving to a new city can be pretty lonely. Whether you’re usually the life of the party or prefer to keep your social circle small, knowing where to even start with making new friends can feel overwhelming.

Fortunately for you, we know a thing or two about how to meet like-minded people in this vibrant, bustling city. Based at the very heart of Manchester, Kampus is home to a diverse range of young professionals who have found their tribe since moving to an apartment in Manchester.

So who better to guide you through the best ways to make friends in Manchester than those who have actually tried and tested them?

No matter who you are, these tips and tricks are sure to help you find your people and experience the very best of our beautiful city.

For the social butterflies

If you feel comfortable throwing yourself into new things, picking up a new hobby can be a super fun way to make friends.

And in such a thriving city, you’re certainly not short of options. Whether you’re interested in art, music, sports, dancing, gaming, or something else entirely, it’s easy to find local classes or events full of like-minded people just by doing a quick Google search.

Picking up a new hobby can also be great for keeping your mental health in check, which is so important when you’ve just moved to a new city. Just getting out of the house and being around other people can help to combat that initial feeling of loneliness!

At Kampus, we host a whole range of events and classes for our residents, with something happening every single day of the week – all the more reason for you to settle down in one of our beautiful modern Manchester apartments.

Some of the popular events we currently run, or have run in the past, include yoga and meditation classes, life drawing classes, wine and cheese nights, and pooch meet-ups (for all you dog lovers out there!)

Keep an eye on our What’s On page and subscribe to the Kampus newsletter for all the latest updates about our classes and events.

For the introverts

Ah, social media – what would we do without it?!

If showing up to an event where you don’t know anyone isn’t really your thing, there are plenty of ways you can make friends from the comfort of your own living room. An introvert’s dream!

One great option is to join an online group full of people with similar interests, so you can get chatting online before deciding to meet up in person.

A popular Facebook Group for women in Manchester is Truly Twenties, which has over 5,000 active members who are all open to making new friends. Members use this group to arrange everything from movie nights and coffee shop dates to weekends away and big meet-up events. If there’s something in the city you fancy doing, chances are you’ll find a like-minded person who’s up for joining you if you post about it here!

Using meetup.com is also a great way for people of all genders and backgrounds to make friends in Manchester. Simply type “Manchester” into the search bar and this nifty site will show you all of the events coming up in your area. You can let the organiser know you’re going, message other attendees, and even search for specific events that cater to your interests.

For the professionals

If you’re the career-driven type, attending networking events offers the perfect opportunity to make friends in Manchester.

Manchester Young Professionals (MYP) is an inclusive network for progressive, like-minded young professionals in their 20s and 30s who want to meet new people in the city. They work with local partners and venues all over Manchester to put on a huge variety of different events, including everything from drinks at some of the city’s most trendy bars to book clubs and breakfasts.

For those who are new to Manchester, these networking events are also perfect for exploring some of the best venues the city has to offer. And the best thing is you don’t even have to pay to become a member – simply secure a ticket to the event you’d like to attend on the MYP website and you’ll instantly become a part of the network.

A huge number of Kampus residents are young professionals who find themselves surrounded by like-minded people when they move into our incredible canal-side neighbourhood.

For the fitness fanatics

Whether you’re a full-time fitness buff or just starting out on your fitness journey, joining a gym can be a great way to make friends when you move to a new city.

If you don’t feel confident approaching strangers at the gym, signing up for classes can be a great way to get chatting with people. Most gyms offer a wide range of classes for everything from relaxing yoga to high-intensity cycling, so you’re sure to find something that suits your pace.

There are countless gyms across the city, but Kampus has its very own onsite, state-of-the-art fitness facilities exclusively for resident use.

Our incredible gym, studio, and yoga terrace give you all the space you need to work out, stretch, take part in classes, and meet new people. Residents can enjoy complimentary access to industry-leading personal trainers and fitness classes, including an intuitive private space that allows you to do your favourite online workouts without being disturbed.

These inclusive fitness facilities are open to all residents regardless of ability, making them the perfect places to forge new friendships with people who are similar to you.

For the LGBTQ+ folks

According to the most recent census, Manchester has one of the UK’s largest LGBTQ+ populations, so it’s no wonder that so many members of the community move to Manchester to make friends in a city where they feel accepted and welcomed.

Of course, one of the best ways to make friends as an LGBTQ+ person in the city is by going out in Manchester’s famous Gay Village. The Village’s bustling bars and clubs are the perfect places to meet compatible people and enjoy an unforgettable night in a space where you can feel safe.

Not a fan of nights out? No problem! There are plenty of other things to do in Manchester’s Gay Village that don’t involve drinking or staying out late, such as visiting Sackville Gardens or enjoying a bite to eat at one of the fabulous local eateries. Regular meet-ups are also organised by local LGBTQ+ groups, and you won’t want to miss the annual Manchester Pride event that takes place in the Village every August.

Kampus is located at the very heart of Gay Village, just opposite Canal Street, making it the perfect place for members of the LGBTQ+ community to plant their roots.

Finally – don’t be disheartened!

It can take time to meet compatible people, so you shouldn’t give up if you go to your first event and don’t make friends right away.

If you consistently show up to the same places, you’ll start to recognise other regulars and can strike up a conversation with them. Chances are they’re also there to meet new people, so they’ll appreciate you making the effort to talk to them!

Just be your wonderful self and you’re sure to attract lots of people who are in the exact same position as you.

There’s always something on at Kampus

There’s no better way to meet like-minded people than by throwing yourself into everything this vibrant and bustling city has to offer. And fortunately for you, Kampus lies at the very heart of it all.

With an eclectic calendar of events, parties, and pop-ups, Kampus is the place to be if you’re new to the city and looking to make friends. We host a wide range of events that are open to Kampus residents and the general public alike, so come on down and get mingling!

And that’s not all. Kampus is home to some of the city’s best independent bars and eateries, making it the perfect spot for grabbing a drink or bite to eat with new friends.

Grab a slice of famous 22 inch pizza at Nell’s, enjoy authentic dim sum at Yum Cha, relax with a glass of wine at The Beeswing, and so much more in the Kampus neighbourhood.

The very best of Manchester, right on your doorstep.

Sound like your kind of vibe? Book an apartment viewing today and get ready to experience a vibrant community like no other.