IITian to moved to Bengaluru shares secret of making friends in new city: ‘We were just people…’

Relocating to an unfamiliar city for professional reasons often creates a strange contradiction. One may be constantly surrounded by people, offices, and activity, yet still experience a deep sense of isolation. This emotional disconnect is especially common when social interactions feel forced or superficial. One entrepreneur who moved to Bengaluru in 2020 discovered this firsthand and eventually found an unconventional yet meaningful solution to building genuine connections.

After arriving in the city, she quickly realized that traditional networking avenues did little to fill the social void. Casual conversations at work or meeting acquaintances over drinks began to feel monotonous and emotionally unfulfilling. While such interactions were polite and friendly, they rarely translated into lasting bonds. Searching for something more authentic, she began participating in group-based physical activities, including boxing classes and dance workouts. What started as a fitness choice soon became a gateway to community.

The founder, Surbhi Jain, an IIT graduate, shared that when she first settled into Bengaluru, she knew very few people. Though there were some familiar names, most lived far away, making spontaneous meetups difficult. She had arrived with ambitious plans to build something of her own and initially joined a company to find her footing. While her coworkers were supportive and pleasant, the relationships remained strictly professional, lacking emotional depth.




Over time, she began joining colleagues outside the formal work environment for shared activities. These experiences, she noted, created a sense of openness that casual office conversations never achieved. Engaging in physical movement together dissolved hierarchies and labels. During workouts, distinctions such as job titles, personality types, or seniority faded away. Everyone became equal participants, united by effort, exhaustion, and shared presence.

She found that bonding through movement felt far more rewarding than socializing over beverages or casual meetups. Exercise provided a rare combination of enjoyment, wellness, and consistency. It became a daily ritual she genuinely looked forward to, offering both physical release and mental clarity. Unlike social plans that often carried pressure or guilt, these sessions felt natural and sustainable.

As she continued showing up regularly, familiar faces began to reappear. Repetition bred comfort, and comfort gradually evolved into friendship. Without forcing conversations or expectations, relationships formed organically. Over time, the overwhelming vastness of the city softened, transforming into a place that felt warm and familiar.

Her reflections resonated with many online. Some agreed that shared routines help cities feel less intimidating, while others noted that movement has a unique ability to turn strangers into companions. Slowly, through consistency and shared effort, an unfamiliar place can begin to feel like home again.