Friends in Western Mass
Hello, if this is not the right place to post, feel free to delete.
I (25F) am moving to Western Mass from New Jersey in the next month. I'll also be starting graduate school in the Fall. This is a fresh start for me. What is it like making friends in the area? Is there anything I could do to put myself out there?
Edit: I am moving to Agawam and attending UMass Amherst. Thank you for all the feedback so far!
Final Edit: Hi everyone, hope you all are having a great weekend. Firstly, thank you all for the feedback, truly. I did not expect to get so many responses, so I am a bit overwhelmed with thoughts. I have been reading everyone's comments intently. I will answer some common questions and provide some further context. This will likely be my last update on this thread.
- I understand my decision to move to Agawam is a controversial one in the thread, but it is one I cannot control at this time. I am from NJ, so I'm used to commutes being 25-30 minutes on a good day. My usual commutes are 45+ minutes for work because I travel. I would have loved to be closer to school, but it's what worked with the parameters I'm used to/could afford.
- For those asking about my major and work, I am a classical musician doing graduate performance work at UMass. I play the saxophone professionally in symphonies, so being close to Hartford is a plus for me. I do dabble in original songwriting [more of a gothic vibe], and my day job is working in treatment centers as a board-certified music therapist. I love what I do, so feel free to PM me with questions.
Lastly, thank you all for the recommendations about friend-making and places to visit. I took note of them all! <3
Feel free to PM me with questions or just to chat, I know this update was long!