Make friends online

Make friends online, one chat at a time

Once you've left school or university it gets hard to make friends online, and harder still offline. Colleagues change jobs, old friends move away and busy lives leave little time to meet new people. This room exists for anyone who'd like more people to talk to, whether that's because they've moved to a new city, work from home or simply enjoy a good chat.

From strangers to regulars

Friendships here usually follow the same path. You notice someone in the room who shares your sense of humour. You chat a few times. You start looking out for their name when you log in. A few weeks later you're catching up on each other's news like old friends. Creating a free account helps, because it keeps your chat name and makes you easy to find again.

Ways to get to know people

• Mention your hobbies early. Shared interests are the quickest route to a friendship.
• Ask follow-up questions next time: "Did you get that job?" shows you were listening.
• Join in with room games and question threads. They're an easy way to meet several people at once.
• Be the person who welcomes newcomers. It's the fastest way to become a regular yourself.

Friendship across time zones

One of the best things about making friends online is meeting people you'd never meet otherwise. A friend in Canada can tell you what it's like to live through a prairie winter, and a friend in Australia is awake when you can't sleep. Many regulars say their online friends have changed how they see other countries.

Lonely? You're not the only one

Plenty of people come here because they feel a bit isolated. That's nothing to be embarrassed about, and you'll find others who feel the same. A friendly chat won't solve everything, but it can make an evening feel a lot less quiet. If you're struggling with something more serious, please speak to someone you trust or a local support line as well.

Keep it safe as friendships grow

Even good friends you've met online should earn your trust gradually. Share personal details slowly, and be cautious about anyone who asks for money or pushes you to keep the friendship secret.

Into games or music? Gaming Chat and Music Chat are full of people who'd love someone new to talk to.