The clubs and groups that make friendship easiest are small, recurring and built around an activity, such as a weekly class, a running club, a book club, a volunteer team or a game night. Meeting the same people regularly while doing something together gives friendship the repeated, relaxed contact it needs.
What makes a group good for friendship
Not all groups are equal. A huge networking event and a six-person pottery class are both "social", but only one is likely to give you friends. Look for four traits:
- Repetition. The same people, the same time, week after week.
- A shared activity. It gives you something to do and talk about, so conversation does not have to carry everything.
- Small size. Eight to fifteen people lets you actually get to know each other.
- Time to talk. Check there is a break, a tea round, or a social part before or after.
These are the same ingredients covered in our guide to making friends as an adult. Groups just package them neatly.
Types of clubs and what each is good for
| Type | Best for | Typical rhythm | Ease of chatting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports or fitness classes | People who like to move | Weekly | Medium, talk happens before and after |
| Run or walk clubs | Side-by-side conversation | Weekly | High, steady pace helps |
| Book clubs | Conversation over a topic | Monthly | High |
| Creative classes (pottery, painting, music) | Hands-on focus | Weekly, multi-week courses | Medium |
| Volunteering | Shared purpose | Weekly or fortnightly | High, tasks create talk |
| Board game or quiz nights | Playful, structured interaction | Weekly or monthly | High |
| Language exchange or conversation clubs | Learners | Weekly | High, built for talking |
| Faith or community groups | Shared values | Weekly | Varies |
| Hobby societies (astronomy, photography, hiking) | People with a niche interest | Monthly plus events | Medium |
| Choirs and amateur bands | Shared performance goals | Weekly | Medium, strong bonding over time |
Not sure what interests you? Try a few solo hobbies first. Our article on solo hobbies and the things to do alone list can give you ideas.
How to choose
Ask yourself two questions: what would I enjoy even if I made no friends, and what fits my energy? An activity you enjoy keeps you coming, and consistency is the secret ingredient. If crowds drain you, make friends as an introvert has advice for choosing quieter settings.
Then check practicalities:
- Is the time realistic? A weekly meeting you will skip does not help.
- Is the location easy to reach?
- Is it beginner-friendly? Look for "all levels welcome".
- Can you attend a trial session first?
How to find groups
You can find groups in several places:
- Local noticeboards, libraries, community centres and cafes.
- Gyms, studios and adult education programmes.
- Volunteer organisations in your area.
- Event and group platforms. See our list of Meetup alternatives and the best apps for making friends in 2026.
- Word of mouth: ask colleagues or neighbours what they do on weekends.
For a broader look at settings, see where to meet friends as an adult.
Your first three visits
The early visits set the tone, so go in with a plan.
Visit one: just observe
Your goal is to turn up, take part, and learn one name. Do not judge yet. It is normal to feel awkward. Arrive a few minutes early, when it is easier to chat, and ask one simple question such as "How long have you been coming?".
Visit two: be recognised
Say hello to the person you met last time. Mention something you remember. People appreciate being remembered, and it makes you easier to talk to.
Visit three: add a little more
Stay for the social part, offer help, or ask someone about their week. You do not need to suggest anything outside the group yet. Familiarity is what you are building.
After six sessions, take stock. If you feel more comfortable and recognise people, keep going. Then look at how to turn an acquaintance into a friend for the next step.
If walking in alone is the hard part
Many people stop at the door. Being the only newcomer can feel exposing, and that is common. Practising small solo outings beforehand helps. Going to a cafe or restaurant alone, for example, gets you used to being in public without company, and our comfort zone challenges give you gentle steps.
Solo Era is an iPhone app that structures this practice into weekly missions across seven categories with difficulty levels from 1 to 5. One level 3 example in the people category is "Go to a local astronomy club's indoor talk." You rate how nervous you felt before and after, so you can see how it goes. It does not find you groups or match you with people, but it helps you get to the door.
Solo Era for iPhone
Try it with Solo Era
Solo Era gives you one realistic mission a week, records how nervous you felt before and after, and keeps a photo journal of what you did. An iPhone app. A subscription is required to start missions; any free trial depends on the offer and eligibility shown in the app.
Red flags and green flags
Green flags
- People introduce themselves to newcomers.
- Members have stayed for a long time.
- There is time to talk and no pressure to buy or join anything.
- The organiser is welcoming and clear about what to expect.
Red flags
- Heavy sales pitches or pressure to commit money quickly.
- A tight, closed clique that ignores newcomers.
- Constant gossip or negativity.
- Events are always one-offs with new people each time.
Trust your sense of whether you feel respected. If a group feels off after a fair trial, leave and try another.
Keep reading
- Making Friends in Your 40s: Making friends in your 40s is possible even with a packed life. Learn where to meet people, how to invite them and how to build lasting friendships.
FAQ
How many clubs should I join?
Start with one or two. Joining too many makes it hard to attend regularly, and regularity is what builds friendships. Add more once you have a rhythm.
What if I do not have any hobbies?
Try beginner-friendly classes or volunteering. You do not need a passion to start. Interest often develops once you have done something a few times.
How long before I can expect to make a friend in a group?
It varies, but expect months of regular attendance rather than weeks. Familiarity builds gradually, and the first few visits are mostly about being recognised.
Are online groups as good as in-person ones?
They can help, especially if you live somewhere with few options. Many people find in-person contact builds friendships faster, so consider using online groups to find in-person events.
What if I am the only newcomer?
That is normal. Group leaders and regulars usually welcome newcomers. Arrive early, introduce yourself to the organiser, and ask them to point you to someone friendly.
Solo Era for iPhone
Try it with Solo Era
Solo Era gives you one realistic mission a week, records how nervous you felt before and after, and keeps a photo journal of what you did. An iPhone app. A subscription is required to start missions; any free trial depends on the offer and eligibility shown in the app.
