New in town

New city, new life — and you'd rather not be on your own from day one?

Don't wait to be invited — in a new city, there's nobody to invite you yet. The first few weeks are decisive: go out, keep going back to the same places, and let those around you know you've got time. With Timity that works from the very first evening — share "new in town, coffee?", and someone nearby who fancies it reaches out. A city becomes home the moment you meet your first people in it.

The first fortnight is golden

Right after a move you have an advantage that fades fast: everything is new, so asking, trying things and saying yes all come naturally. In a month you'll have a routine — and a routine without people is just loneliness with a timetable. Make the most of the time while curiosity comes free.

Three habits that open up a city

• One regular café, one regular pub. Familiar faces grow from repetition. The third time they say hello; the fifth time they ask where you're from.
• One regular activity. Sport, a course, volunteering — anything weekly. A group that meets again and again is the most reliable way of making friends there is.
• Walk, and leave the headphones at home. You learn a city with your feet and listen to it with your ears. Once you know the streets, you stop being a stranger.

The shortcut: ask for company straight away

The habits above take weeks. But the evening you don't want to be alone is tonight. In Timity you share that you're free — "new in town, coffee / beer / a walk?" — and a sign people will recognise you by. People nearby reach out; locals show you the city no guidebook knows, and you bring them a fresh pair of eyes. No registration, no profile; only the people around you can see you, and only while you're sharing.

A small comfort to finish

Everyone you meet in a new city was new there once too. Hardly anyone turns down a newcomer's invitation to coffee — it's just that hardly anyone dares to make it. Be the one who dares.