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I've moved around a fair amount in my post-college life, so I know what you're going through. In my experience, by far the best way to meet friends is at school. It does not sound like you're a student, so that may not be an option for you.
Besides school, another way I made friends in new cities is by talking to neighbors my age. If you live in an apartment complex, hang out in the common areas, pool, etc., and strike up a conversation. It may feel awkward, but once people know you're new to town and trying to make friends, most people who aren't jerks will understand and open up to you. If you live alone in a house, consider getting a roommate (but be selective in the process). It was my experience that making the first friend is the hardest part, but once that happens, the network starts to blossom.
Did you move to Columbia for work? Depending on the environment, work is either a great place to make friends or is hopeless. Any way of using that avenue to network?
The most difficult thing for me was getting over the insecurity of feeling lame for being "that guy" who is eager to make friends. If you can get over this and take the attitude of "what do I have to lose?" things will get easier. If you annoy people by trying to be friendly, that's their problem, not yours, and it's not like they'll remember you anyway
Frankly, I can see how someone would feel isolated if they were not into USC athletics and bars. I'm not saying you aren't, I'm just telling you.
It really depends on your interests and maybe even your personality. Again, being brutally honest, Columbia is not the most diverse place in the country.
Frankly, I can see how someone would feel isolated if they were not into USC athletics and bars. I'm not saying you aren't, I'm just telling you.
It really depends on your interests and maybe even your personality. Again, being brutally honest, Columbia is not the most diverse place in the country.
Let me begin my response by saying I smell a troll.
There are all kinds of groups for different interests here. It's easy to feel isolated in New York City if you have that mind set. There's always something going on in Columbia, from hiking to the arts to festivals to running or walking on the greenway to sailing to canoeing to kayaking to being a foodie to concerts to doing whatever floats your boat.
Let me begin my response by saying I smell a troll.
There are all kinds of groups for different interests here. It's easy to feel isolated in New York City if you have that mind set. There's always something going on in Columbia, from hiking to the arts to festivals to running or walking on the greenway to sailing to canoeing to kayaking to being a foodie to concerts to doing whatever floats your boat.
You smell a troll? Because I gave an opinion you didn't like?
He seemed to indicate he was looking to socialize. I never said there wasn't anything to do in Columbia, but frankly, you are a bit of a sunshine pumper if you really feel Columbia has a culture that young professionals are looking for. Hiking? Arts? Food? Concerts? Do you sincerely feel those could be considered adequate in Columbia, the largest, most educated city in South Carolina?
I do feel that Columbia is becoming a more and more attractive place for young people, and it is a great place to live, but there just isn't that much to do at night, in particular.
To challenge my status as a troll, I will give you some suggestions without being too critical:
There are a lot of opportunities for outdoor activity (tennis leagues, cycling clubs, etc) because of the warm weather.
There are many good places to eat, but I would prefer more international.
There are a lot of museums, parks, and annual festivals.
And of course, there is the Gamecocks.
As I said earlier, this is a big part of the social scene in Columbia.
The Free Times is a great paper with a lot of information on things going on in Columbia.
The best thing about Columbia is it is not pretentious. It would be nice if the city was more open to new ideas like more green areas and bike lanes, but I won't get into that.
There is plenty to do in Columbia that has nothing to do with USC sports. The Nickelodeon has indie films on a daily basis, Trustus Theatre, Workshop Theatre, Town Theatre, the Tapp's Arts Center, the Columbia Museum of Art, the State Museum, Edventure, parks, trails, kayaking, barhopping, the Koger Center, Conundrum Music Hall, the Township, Lake Murray, Congaree National Park, festivals galore, etc. If you can't find anything to do here, you're not looking.
I am a young professional who moved here a little over a year ago after college and though I grew up here, most HS friends I had went to Clemson (believe it or not) and I lost touch with most of them so I was in the same boat and I found out that there are a ton of people in this city that move here and dont know anyone and looking to meet other people there age as im sure just about any city our size and larger because there are so many jobs post grads move for, or people get transferred from another city. Sure these people may have their friends from college that come down for the weekend or maybe one or two friends from work, but overall they are in the exact same boat just like we all were at freshman orientation in college, no one knowing anyone else, everyone getting to know who their future friends would be, its the same thing here but were not all in the same classes and there isnt one big Columbia Freshman Orientation! ColaData is exactly right COR is a good group of folks that hold several network events, I would also look at groups like Columbia Referrals Over Cocktails, its a group on LinkedIn too.
Also I know at some bars it may look "lame" or what not to be there by yourself, but there are several bars in the vista and on main that are much more chill that people go to by themselves too especially at happy hour. Check out Cantina 76, Rooftop at The Sheraton, even perhaps Pearlz. I have been to all of those numerous times alone and thought nothing of it, as a matter of fact met a few folks doing the same thing. I mean its going to be a little awkward sometimes but once you get past that and meet some folks, youll be good go.
Hope it all works out man!
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