Moving to or living in Liverpool and trying to make new friends can feel daunting, even in a city known for its warmth and sense of community. Moving to a new city can be a huge challenge and trying to create a new social circle and make new friends is a common struggle, but thankfully Liverpool has plenty of positive options. Whether you’ve just arrived or you’re looking to expand your social circle, Liverpool offers countless ways to connect with others.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best ways to make friends in Liverpool. You’ll discover how joining a community or sports club can help you meet like-minded people, how the women-led group ‘Girls on the Go’ is empowering women across the city, and why Mersey Rowing Club has become one of the most welcoming and social clubs around.

How to make friends in a new city

Many people find themselves in a situation where they’ve moved to a new city, but they’re faced with the challenge of finding new friends and building a fresh social circle. Even for those who move to Liverpool and knowing friends or family in the city already, it’s still natural to want to be part of a wider social network. For many of us, it was easy to make friends in the years before, potentially because we were at school, college, university, prior jobs, or past sports clubs which meant we were surrounded by our peers. Unfortunately however, it can feel like a big step into the unknown when you know you want to make new friends but you’re not exactly sure how.

Thankfully, Liverpool is known for its warmth, humour, and strong sense of community. Still, even for the most extroverted and outgoing newcomers, or even residents of Liverpool, it can be hard to know where to start. The good news is that Liverpool is packed with opportunities to connect, from social groups and hobby clubs to fitness communities and local events. The key is to get involved. Whether that’s joining a local class, attending a meetup like the park run, or volunteering, shared activities always do brilliantly to help spark genuine connections with follow through beyond the first conversation with someone new.

Join a community or club which gets you moving

Joining a club has got to be one of the most effective ways to make friends in a new city and environment, and in Liverpool too. Physical activities, especially team-based ones create a bond where even without thinking about it, you’ll find yourself immediately integrated into a new group of people as if you’d been there for years. You don’t even need to be an athlete to benefit, just showing up regularly helps you connect with others who share your energy. Rowing, running, football, yoga, and cycling are all popular in Liverpool, and there are many clubs who welcome beginners who simply want to get a bit more active and meet new people.

At Mersey Rowing Club, we’ve seen first-hand how sport can bring people together. We have countless members over the years who have joined the club purely to meet new people, and they’ve thrived. Our members come from all backgrounds and walks of life, ranging from complete beginners to experienced rowers, and everyone shares the same goal, to enjoy time on the water, build confidence, and support one another. Through our Learn to Row programme, social rowing sessions, and community events, all of our members have created lasting friendships, which encourage them to stay in Liverpool, alongside fitness and fun.

Try ‘Girls on the Go’!

If you’re a woman in Liverpool looking to make new friends, ‘Girls on the Go’ is a community you should know about. It was founded to empower women through shared experiences, and its members connect in safe and supportive environments. Girls on the Go organises walks, coffee catch-ups, fitness sessions, and other social events, all designed to help women meet others who share their energy. The idea is to help women build confidence, celebrate achievement, and create genuine friendships, especially for those new to Liverpool.

Get started making new friends

If you’re ready to make friends in Liverpool, now’s the time to take that first step. Join a community that aligns with your interests, get involved in local events, and don’t be afraid to try something new. You’ll be surprised by how quickly friendships form once you’re part of an active, supportive group. At Mersey Rowing Club, our doors are open to anyone who wants to get on the water, get fit, and find their new group of people!