How to Get to Know Your Neighbors When Living in an Apartment

By Victoria Robertson on November 10, 2018

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When living in an on-campus apartment, it can be challenging to get to know those around you. In fact, in most cases, it’s difficult to make friends when you live in an apartment, especially considering the general open-door-policy of dorm room living.

So following up your dorm room experience with the seclusion of apartment living isn’t an easy transition for most, but it also doesn’t have to be that way.

There are still ways in which you can meet people while you’re living in an apartment. So, with that in mind, here are six ways in which you can get to know your neighbors when living in an apartment.

Photo Via: Pixabay.com 

1. Host a Party

While it’s a pretty clear cut way to meet your neighbors, also keep in mind there is no guarantee they will attend. That being said, if you host a beginning of the year party, you’ll get to know at least a few of your neighbors.

Sure, it will cost a little bit of money, but you can also let the neighbors know it’s a potluck to cut costs, and it gives you a great way to meet people without having to leave the comfort of your own home. That’s a win-win.

2. Attend Complex Gatherings

Every once in a while, the apartment complex you are in will have a gathering in which neighbors can meet one another. While your first impulse may be to miss this gathering, don’t. This is a great way to get to know those living around you!

You don’t have to spend all day/night at one of these gatherings, but rather come in, say hello to a few people and introduce yourself to those you haven’t met yet. It’s a great way to get your face out there!

3. Hang Around the Complex

Most students transition from the apartment to class and back again, hardly hanging around their apartment complex for anything else. Don’t fall victim to this routine! One of the best ways that you can meet people at your apartment complex is to actually be around the apartment complex.

This means doing laundry, checking your mail, walking around, etc. You can literally do just about anything around the complex and you’ll likely encounter another person that lives there. This is a great, casual way to meet some of the people you live near!

4. Be Friendly

On this same note, try not to seclude yourself too much. A lot of people are innately anti-social, so may put their head down and avoid others in a stairwell or on an elevator. Don’t fall victim to this routine, either!

One of the best ways to meet people is to keep your head up and be friendly to those you live around rather than ignoring their existence. You don’t have to have lengthy conversations with them, but rather say hi when you see them and go from there. It’s a first step, but it’ll undoubtedly lead to a friendly conversation down the road at the very least.

5. Sit Outside

Sometimes, simply submitting yourself to the confines of your apartment can lead to seclusion. Don’t do it! When the weather is nice and you’re able, sit outside with your roommates. You’ll likely encounter a few neighbors who are open to sitting with you and having a conversation.

Proximity is a great way to meet people, but when you are stuck in the house all day every day, you’re not likely going to meet anyone new unless they come looking for you. So take that obstacle out of the equation entirely!

6. Introduce Yourself

Last, but definitely not least, one of the most important things that you can do in order to meet your neighbors in an apartment complex is to simply introduce yourself. If you don’t introduce yourself to your neighbors, they may not even know you exist.

Some residents make treats to bring to a neighbor, others simply knock on the door and introduce themselves. No matter your method of introduction, it’s an important part of living in an apartment complex, as it’s the most likely way you’ll be able to meet others around you. So don’t be mute – introduce yourself to your neighbors!

Again, just because you are living in an apartment does not mean that it’s impossible to meet your neighbors. Yes, it’s easier to meet neighbors and make friends when you’re living in a dorm, but with a little additional effort and creativity, there’s no reason you can’t do the same in your apartment.

So take advantage of these six ways in which you can meet your neighbors and keep an eye out for additional meet-and-greets in which you can get to know them. You won’t be sorry you did!

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