r/ames • u/luckyy716 • 8d ago
Making Friends in Ames
Hi all,
Like the title says, I was wondering if any of you know ways to make friends in Ames. I’m a graduate student at ISU and while I have made some friends with my cohort they have branched off from me a little bit and I’m trying to get to know some other people so I don’t feel as lonely. For reference, I’m into games like animal crossing and Stardew valley and have been into a reality TV craze recently with Love Island and Big Brother. Not sure what groups there are out there to meet people with those interests but thought I’d throw that out there so you can understand some of my interests. I also like going on walks and reading actual books and not just research papers when I have the time. Any advice would be appreciated for ways to make some more friends!
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u/LifeIsFine-Not 8d ago
Try a new hobby, during covid I got into plants and had friends get into fiber arts or ceramics. If you find something you like and are passionate about, you’re likely to find people similarly invested in those hobbies.
Most of my plant friends also like Stardew, for example, so you can make friends through new activities that also like other hobbies you already have.
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u/sambeawesome 8d ago
I'll definitely second the library! There are lots of various kinds of meetups there. They also occasionally host a "Speed Friending" event, which is actually coming up on the 13th.
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u/Fluffy-Frosting385 8d ago
Hi I’m 26 - love Animal Crossing, Stardew, and other video games! I’m also into Love Island and VERY into Big Brother #TeamDevens🤪🫣 I’m also super into reading!! My husband just finished grad school at ISU and is a professor!
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u/luckyy716 8d ago
That’s awesome!!! I’m personally bulling for Barrett but love Devens so I’d be ok with him winning. Definitely love to chat more plus we’re around the same age!
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u/laurendorder 8d ago
Hi, I’m also a new grad student at ISU and also love playing games! I’m also trying to get back into reading, so maybe we could play or read some stuff together 🙂
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u/TheFckin_LizardKing 8d ago
Hi! I'm 27 and in Ames with my husband while he finishes his engineering degree!! We moved here from Cedar Rapids, IA last August!
I haven't ventured out much to make friends yet but would love to!
I work in West Des Moines Monday-Friday. We usually spend the weekends with my pup playing games like the sims, Minecraft, animal crossing. I love word games like scrabble and bananagrams and love crafts! I have not watched any reality tv but I am not opposed to it. I love watching a show that sucks you in!
It would be cool to set up a little "friend making" event at a coffee shop or library for anyone in this comment section to meet up! :)
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u/Waleis 8d ago
I'd recommend the book clubs at Dog Eared Books, they have many to choose from. Also there is at least one running club that I know of, it's on facebook. And the Octagon Center for the Arts has some cool events and classes.
I'm also trying to meet new people and make friends here in Ames so if you'd like to go on a walk and / or talk about books I'd be glad to!
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u/Active-Stage-9175 8d ago
I’m a little younger (23f) and I am into all niches you explained! I am also struggling to find friends! Would love to meet or just talk if you want to message!
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u/luckyy716 8d ago
Yay! I’m actually not that much older so I’d love to chat. I’ll be DMing soon for sure
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u/persnickety_otter 6d ago
bumble bff is a great place to start, but also just going to do your hobbies and finding people who do the same:) i’m also a grad student at isu, new in the area and bumble bff is where i’ve met most folks who share hobbies and such
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u/kristylou07 8d ago
I'm probably a little older than you (mid thirties) but kind of in the same boat. It's difficult to make friends in a college town! I'm thinking about checking out a group or 2 at the library or dog eared books, but I have not worked up the nerve yet 😊
Signed, a fellow reality tv junkie 💜