New to Belfast

GuitarBob

Consider volunteering at a local festival. Ive done some stuff with the Open House Fest here in Belfast( just finished last weekend unfortunately) and you meet lots of people at something like that.
I think the next big festival that will be looking volunteers will be The Queens Fest which isnt until Oct though.
Most courses etc tend to stop here during the summer but come September you can find classes in anything- maybe use this as an excuse to learn an instrument ,paint or whatever you both want.
The Crescent Arts Centre on University Road usually has lots of different classes come September.
I cant post links as Im new here.

smokiewater

Get on to twitter and search for Belfast - you will find loads of us Belfast Bots on there, who are always happy to meet with fellow tweeters!

If you find me (the clue is in the signature here) look at my following list, most of who are from Belfast or surrounding areas, join in the chat and meet new friends!

shawbarbara

Hope you enjoy living in the city. Have you got a job or if you would you consider volunteering? maybe if you like working with people - think about contacting The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust -largest HSC Trust employer in UK if not Europe - could open up opportunities later for paid employment or how about volunteering with people with Learning Difficulties etc. Wish you all the best whatever you decide to do :beer:. ENJOY

ABCDEFGH

Hi folks, thanks so much for all the replies. Its been great to get your feedback. Well I have joined the PEC/Queens gym already. Great range of classes available. I love exercise but unfortunately Ive never been too swell at team sports so I may stay clear from all of that. I am loving the range of classes in Belfast MET. Definately something I'm going to look into. I am working normal office hours but I'm definately open to doing some volunteer work of some sort. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. At the moment, I'm just trying to make a new life for myself in a new city! :-)

belfastgirl23

You might find something you're interested in here

http://www.meetup.com/find/?keywords=&mcId=&mcName=&lat=&lon=&userFreeform=+Belfast%2C+Northern+Ireland%2C+United+Kingdom&gcResults=Belfast%2C+UK%3AGB%3ABelfast%3ABelfast%3ABelfast%3Anull%3Anull%3A54.5972686%3A-5.9301088&op=search&resetgeo=true&events=

It's also worth registering eg for facebook or twitter and following a lot of the local arts organisations - eg crescent arts, black box, cathedral quarter arts festival etc. just to see what might be on...

It might also be worth seeing if there are interesting seminars at the unis, esp QUB since they have a lot of international staff who might be in a similar boat to yourself. http://www.whatsonatqueens.com/ Oh and there is the Belfast Friendship club - if you search on facebook it will come up. they meet 7-9 on Tuesdays in Common Grounds (University area). I've met the person who runs it at an event and she seemed fab and really warm to me It's designed for people who are new into NI so probably good for you as well.

I do think NI is difficult to come into as a stranger - we're still a bit clannish here. So don't take it personally if it's tough going at times.

deirdre42c

Hope you're settling in well

Worth looking at the like of Salsa classes- I know the Kings Head are running new classes at the minute.

might also be an option to look in the local library- they regularly have book clubs and events etc

What you will prob find is that belfast people are usually quite friendly (and nosy!!) - dont be surprised if people just start talking to you in the street or local shops and asking numerous questions - thats seen as the done thing!!

Good luck and dont forget everyone on MSE here are available for a chat!!

dazb75

Get a dog. The amount of other dog walkers who will stop for a chat is amazing.

I've met some really good friends this way. It's probably because after 10 minutes of walking and just talking to your dog, it makes you crave human company and conversation.

BigAndy_79

absoluteutopia wrote: »

if it was me who was new to belfast id be thinking "how the hell do i get out of here?" its full of mccooeys

lol ! *********

Sor

As someone else mentioned, the crescent arts centre, just down the road from QUB will have lots of different and fun classes starting in September. It is quite popular, especially the Sept-Dec term so some classes get booked out quickly.

If you like drama, the Lyric theatre is starting their theatre school this September too (check their webpage). Can't recommend it as I haven't been yet, but I have signed up. Should be fun.

There are also zumba classes around the place. Check out Zumbafitness NI.

Climbing courses at the Ozone can be fun though possibly more minimal possibility of making good friends but you never know. The Ozone does tennis courses too I think.

Other than that, I can't think of anything different than what others have said. QUB open learning and also Belfast Met run a lot of courses.

thriftyminx13

I really like @smokiewater's suggestion of volunteering for festivals etc. they really are a good way to meet people.

Why don't you ask you work ones for a post work drink or if you don't know work ones organising a bun party or something for charity?