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How to meet people and make friends in Hull
23 July 2026
Meeting new people as an adult is hard — whether you have just moved to Hull, come out of a long relationship, or simply want a bigger circle. It is not just about dating; sometimes you just want good people to do things with. Here are practical, realistic ways to meet people and make friends in Hull & East Yorkshire.
Say yes to local things
Hull has a genuinely good social scene if you put yourself in the way of it — live music, the pubs and cafés of Newland Avenue and the Old Town, park runs, gigs at the Marina, community events. The trick is to keep showing up somewhere regularly, so faces become familiar.
Friendship mode on Hull Dating
Hull Dating is not only for romance. When you sign up you can choose whether you are here for love or friendship — pick friendship and your profile shows a clear "looking for friends" badge, so you meet people without any dating pressure or mixed signals. It is a low-effort way to meet locals who also want to expand their circle. There is more on easing in gently in our guide to dating again after a breakup.
Use shared interests as a shortcut
The easiest friendships start around something you both already like. Whether it is dog walks, live music, five-a-side or the gym, leading with a shared interest gives you something to actually do together — far easier than "shall we be friends?". Our anonymous look at what Hull singles have in common shows just how many locals share the same handful of interests.
Explore the city together
Once you have met someone — friend or more — Hull is full of easy, cheap things to do. Our cheap date ideas work just as well for a first friendly meet-up, and members get local discounts through Perks to make it even easier.
Meet real locals
Join Hull & East Yorkshire's own dating app — real, verified locals. Free to match & chat.
Create your free profileFAQs
How can I make friends in Hull?
Show up regularly to local things you enjoy, lead with shared interests, and use friendship mode on Hull Dating to meet locals who also want to expand their circle — no dating pressure.
Does Hull Dating do friendship, not just dating?
Yes — you can set whether you are here for love or friendship, and a "looking for friends" badge shows on your profile so intentions are clear.
I have just moved to Hull — where do I start?
Newland Avenue, the Old Town and the Marina are sociable, welcoming areas, and friendship mode on Hull Dating is an easy first step to meeting people nearby.