Cambridge is a fantastic city for meeting new people, given its unique blend of students, academics, professionals, and long-term residents. It can feel intimidating at first, but there are many avenues to build a new social circle.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to meet new friends in Cambridge, UK, broken down into different approaches.
- Leverage Social and Interest-Based Apps & Websites
This is often the easiest first step, especially if you’re new or introverted.
· Meetup.com: This is the gold standard. Search for groups in Cambridge with your interests. Popular categories include:
· Board Games: Very active scene with multiple weekly meetups.
· Walking & Hiking: Explore the beautiful Cambridgeshire countryside.
· Tech & Entrepreneurship: Cambridge has a huge tech hub (Silicon Fen).
· Book Clubs, Language Exchanges, and Social Drinks.
· Nextdoor: A hyper-local social network. You can see what’s happening in your immediate neighbourhood and connect with people nearby for casual meetups or local events.
· Facebook Groups: Search for groups like “Cambridge Social Group,” “Expats in Cambridge,” or more specific ones like “Cambridge Foodies” or “Cambridge Running Club.”
- Get Involved in Clubs, Classes, and Groups
Shared activities are the best way to form natural, lasting friendships.
· Sports Clubs:
· Row: This is Cambridge! Many town rowing clubs welcome complete beginners (e.g., City of Cambridge Rowing Club, Cambridge ’99).
· Run: Parkrun every Saturday morning at Milton Country Park or Coldham’s Common is free and incredibly welcoming.
· Climb: The Cambridge Climbing Centre is a very social place.
· Boulder: The new Depot climbing centre is a major hub.
. Tennis. Try to join Parktenis, every Saturday from 10 AM in Jesus Green tennis court.
· Cycle: Join a local cycling club like Cambridge Cycling Club.
· Team Sports: Look for local football, rugby, netball, or hockey clubs.
· Learn a New Skill:
· Cambridge Regional College and other adult learning centres offer evening classes in everything from pottery and painting to languages and coding.
· Cookery School: Places like “Foods of Cambridge” or “Cucina” offer social cooking classes.
· Dance Classes: From salsa and swing to ballroom, it’s a fantastic way to meet people.
· Special Interest Clubs:
· Board Games: Heffers Bookshop has a games department and often hosts events. Other cafes and pubs have dedicated game nights.
· Book Clubs: Check with Heffers, Cambridge Central Library, or Waterstones.
· Volunteering: This is a powerful way to connect. Try charities like FoodCycle, Cambridge Cyrenians, or your local park or conservation group.
- Explore the Cambridge University Ecosystem (Even if you’re not a student!)
The University’s influence permeates the city, and many of its offerings are open to the public.
· Public Lectures: Attend free, world-class lectures. Look for events from the University Public Lecture Series, the Festival of Ideas, or the Cambridge Science Festival.
· University Museums: Places like the Fitzwilliam Museum or the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology often host social events, late-night openings, and private views.
· Music & Theatre: Attend performances at the ADC Theatre or the Corn Exchange. Many college music societies have concerts that are open to the public.
· Join a Society (with caution): Some University societies allow non-student members for a fee. It’s worth checking the websites of societies that interest you.
- The Classic: Pubs and Cafes
Cambridge is full of fantastic social spaces.
· Pubs with a Community Vibe:
· The Mill: Beautiful location on the river, always buzzing.
· The Eagle: Historic and famous, great for a chat.
· The Portland Arms: A classic pub for live music and a friendly crowd.
· The Cambridge Blue: Renowned for its real ale and beer garden.
· Look for pubs that host quiz nights, live music, or comedy—these are perfect for socialising.
· Social Cafes & Workspaces:
· While many cafes are for studying, some have a more communal feel. Hot Numbers and Bould Brothers are popular.
· Coworking Spaces: If you’re a freelancer or remote worker, places like Allia Future Business Centre or Regus often host networking and social events.
- Be a “Yes” Person and Follow Up
This is the most important, non-location-specific advice.
- Be Proactive: Don’t wait for an invitation. Be the one to suggest a coffee, a walk, or attending an event together.
- Follow Up: If you have a nice chat with someone at a club or class, don’t be shy to say, “It was great meeting you, would you fancy a drink sometime?”
- Be Consistent: Attend the same recurring events (e.g., a weekly class or club). Familiarity breeds friendship.
- Embrace the International Community: Cambridge is incredibly diverse. Be open to meeting people from all over the world.
Quick-Start Plan for Your First Month:
· Week 1: Download Meetup and Bumble BFF. Browse events and send a few messages.
· Week 2: Sign up for a beginner’s course (e.g., a 6-week pottery class) or a “taster session” at a sports club.
· Week 3: Go to a Saturday Parkrun and strike up a conversation in the café afterwards.
· Week 4: Find a pub quiz night on Meetup or go with someone you’ve met in the previous weeks.
Remember, making friends takes time and a bit of courage. Everyone is in the same boat, and people in Cambridge are generally very friendly and open to new connections. Good luck