Meeting People

[echob]

This topic was part of another I posted elsewhere but thought it might be more appropriate here. I'm in my 1st year PhD, and am moving to Toronto in May for the rest of my PhD.  I've been wanting to live in Toronto since I finished my Master's, and my supervisor and I arranged it so I could complete the majority of my data collection at U of T (2-3 years).  A lot of work (on both our parts) has been put into making my move to Toronto happen, as I'm hoping to settle there long-term after my PhD is completed.

 

I'm 26 years old, have completed 2 degrees (one in a research-based program), have worked professionally in my field, lived in 4 different cities, and still feel like I haven't really started my life. Anyone else feel like that? I've promised myself that I'm really going to try and get some life balance, and meeting likeminded people would go a long way in helping that. Plus, I want to enjoy the city and good friends are a big part of that.

 

Typically I wouldn't be concerned about meeting people in grad school, since you meet a bunch of people in your program, but I feel like I'll be rather isolated given my situation...I won't be technically enrolled at U of T, nor will I be taking any coursework as I completed all of it at my "home" university. The lab I suppose I will be part of at U of T is also small (2 grad students only).

 

Does anyone have any advice re: the best places/ways to meet people?  It can be Toronto specific (or not).  I've thought about joining recreational leagues (even though I'm not into that - I usually just do yoga). Any other ideas?

 

PS. I have read some other posts on here, and just want to emphasize that I'm not specifically looking for a boyfriend (although if I were so meet someone amazing, all the better), nor am I asking about whether or not I'll have time to meet people (I'm not new to grad school, I am well aware of the time commitments).

[stella_ella]

I do know how you feel, echob. Grad school can be an isolating experience if most of your friends are "out in the real world" so to speak. I usually just hang out with my classmates, and sometimes we all go to exploring eclectic cafes for fun where you can meet more people. I'm really into singing, so I also joined an undergrad acappella club. When I have time, I also invite people over for netflix bingathons and potlucks. Maybe you can do something similar?

[echob]

I do know how you feel, echob. Grad school can be an isolating experience if most of your friends are "out in the real world" so to speak. I usually just hang out with my classmates, and sometimes we all go to exploring eclectic cafes for fun where you can meet more people. I'm really into singing, so I also joined an undergrad acappella club. When I have time, I also invite people over for netflix bingathons and potlucks. Maybe you can do something similar?

 

Thanks for the suggestions...Hanging out with the classmates isn't a possibility since I won't be taking any courses.  I'm not sure about school clubs but am pretty sure I won't be able to join since I won't be a University of Toronto student.

[overworkedta]

Do you ride a bike?  Canoe?  Hike?  Clubs exist for those things in Toronto and the cycling is GREAT.  I'm looking to join a group while in Ottawa for just the short time I'm there in hopes of meeting a riding buddy and some people to chat with.

[echob]

Do you ride a bike?  Canoe?  Hike?  Clubs exist for those things in Toronto and the cycling is GREAT.  I'm looking to join a group while in Ottawa for just the short time I'm there in hopes of meeting a riding buddy and some people to chat with.

 

I don't really indulge in physical activity in the summer lol. I don't like the heat at all - in fact, I'd be happiest inside most of the summer in the air conditioning. Canoeing is an option though.

[overworkedta]

Canoeing is epic and enjoyable around Toronto in the summer.  My friends have a canoe and we went out a couple of times when I was visiting once.  It was fun.

[maelia8]

I'd recommend signing up for a dance or martial arts class outside of the university - some of my best friends in other cities are people I've met at the local martial arts studio when I was visiting. If you are into any kind of board, card, or video games, it's also easy to find clubs of people who participate in tournaments or get together to play recreationally. Another fun option can be to take a class at a local community center in some kind of craft (sewing, knitting, stained glass, metalworking, framing, etc.) - often it's a great way to meet older people and hear their stories