One of the hardest parts of adapting to a new city is realizing that you are in a place where you don't know anyone. It's a feeling of deep loneliness when you see thousands of people around you, but each of them seems like a stranger. But here's an important thing to understand: you don't need to find people with the exact same background, profession, or language. You need to find people who understand what you're going through — people who have moved to a new country themselves, who know what culture shock feels like, who understand the challenges of adapting, and who can share their experiences. And the good news is that Edmonton is a city with hundreds of organizations, programs, and communities specifically designed to help newcomers find each other. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the possible ways to find people with similar experiences, from online groups to offline programs, from cultural communities to specialized groups for newcomers.
Why it is important to find people with similar experiences
Before we start looking at specific ways to find these people, it's important to understand why this is critical to successful adaptation. People who have found their peers—people who are going through the same thing as them—adapt much faster and more successfully than people who try to cope on their own.
When you talk to people who have had similar experiences, several things happen at once. First, you feel relieved. What you are going through no longer seems strange, incomprehensible, or like a failure. You realize that it is a normal reaction to a difficult situation and that many other people are going through the same thing. Second, you get practical advice from people who have already gone through what you are struggling with now. They can tell you about the best places to shop, how to make a doctor's appointment, how to find cheap English lessons, how to deal with bureaucracy. Third, you build real friendships with people who understand you without words, people you can speak to in your native language if you need to, people who value your culture and experience.
Research shows that one of the strongest predictors of depression and anxiety during adaptation is social isolation. A person who is in constant social contact with other newcomers, even if it is just a week of communication, suffers significantly less from depression and anxiety than a person who is isolated. In addition, people who have social networks cope better with stress and have better mental and physical health.
Online communities and Facebook groups
One of the easiest and most accessible ways to find people with similar experiences is to join online groups on Facebook. Facebook remains one of the most popular platforms for newcomers to Edmonton, especially for people from Ukraine, Russia, and other challenging regions. There are many groups on Facebook specifically created for newcomers and immigrants in Edmonton. Newcomer Centre | Edmonton AB (YEGNewcomers) is the official group of the Newcomer Centre, one of the most reliable organizations for newcomers to the city. In this group, people share advice, ask questions about adapting, organize meetings, and share resources. The atmosphere in the group is friendly and supportive. People understand that you are a newcomer and are ready to help.Edmonton, Alberta Newcomer Tips, Visiting and Living is another large group where newcomers share advice about life in the city, discuss cultural differences, and ask practical questions. Since this is a public group, people often share their real stories, photos, and help with practical issues.Ukrainian Canadian Social Services - Edmonton (UCSS) is the official page of one of the largest Ukrainian organizations in Edmonton. The page regularly posts information about Ukrainian events, advice for Ukrainian newcomers, and links to important resources. If you are from Ukraine, this group is an integral part of your first days in Edmonton.Helping immigrants in Edmonton is a more universal group where people from different countries exchange information and support. Although the group is less specialized, it gives you the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds.Edmonton EISA (the official page of the Edmonton Immigrant Services Association) is where EISA constantly updates information about its programs, events, volunteer opportunities, and resources. If you are interested in EISA programs, following this page will help you stay up to date.To join these groups, you simply need to create or log in to Facebook, find the group, and request to join. Most groups automatically accept new members, although some may require administrator approval. Once you join, you can read posts, write your own questions, respond to other posts, and arrange face-to-face meetings with other members.## Specialized groups and programs for newcomersIn addition to general Facebook groups, Edmonton has specialized organizations and programs specifically designed to help newcomers find each other and build social connections.
The EISA New Neighbors Program is one of the most successful programs in Edmonton, designed to help newcomers adapt and build social networks. The program consists of two main components. The first is the Matching Service, where you are connected with a like-minded mentor who has lived in Edmonton for several years. The mentor is not a professional, but an ordinary person who understands the city, knows where to get the best pizza, knows how to use the public transportation system, and knows which parks are best for walking. The mentor meets with you regularly (usually 20 hours over three months) and helps you get to know the city, practice English, meet local people and Canadians, and build confidence.
The second component is English Conversation Circles. These are informal groups where adult newcomers meet once a week to practice conversational English in a friendly atmosphere. During these sessions, people discuss various topics, help each other with pronunciation and grammar, laugh together, and most importantly, they meet other people who are also trying to improve their English. Conversation Circles participants often become friends and continue to communicate even after the formal end of the group.
EISA also organizes group events and celebrations. They regularly organize social events, holiday celebrations, trips to local attractions, and educational seminars. These events are great opportunities to meet other newcomers, get information, and just have fun.
The Newcomer Centre also has several programs for finding like-minded people. One of the most interesting is Global Girls, a program for girls and young women aged 15-21 who identify as girls, women, or femmes. This program meets weekly on Saturdays at the Newcomer Centre and provides an opportunity for young immigrant women to find each other, discuss their experiences of adaptation, build confidence, and develop their identity in a new country.
Newcomer Centre Settlement Information Sessions are group sessions held on the last Wednesday of every month. At these sessions, newcomers learn about Canada, local resources, systems, and processes. But most importantly, you meet other newcomers who are asking the same questions you are.
Cultural Communities and Ethnic Organizations
If you want to find people from your own culture, Edmonton has a wonderful selection of ethnic and cultural organizations. These organizations not only help you stay connected to your culture, but also provide invaluable social support.
Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (UCSS) is a large organization that supports Ukrainian issues in Edmonton. UCSS not only provides practical services such as counseling and assistance with documents, but also organizes cultural events, celebrations of traditional Ukrainian holidays, and community gatherings. If you are Ukrainian, this is the organization that should be your first stop. Phone: (780) 471-4477, address: 11717 97 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5G 1Y3.
Ukrainian Women's Organization of Canada - Edmonton Society is an organization specifically for Ukrainian women. They organize educational events, cultural programs, charity events, and simply provide a place where Ukrainian women can meet each other.
FOCAS Canada (Foundation for Oromian Culture Education and Art Services) is an organization that specializes in supporting newcomers from African and African diasporas. If you are from Africa, FOCAS provides settlement services, employment support, language training, and organizes cultural events.
Islamic Family and Social Services Association is an organization that provides services to the Muslim community in Edmonton. They understand the unique needs of the Muslim world and organize events that take cultural and religious characteristics into account.
In addition to these large organizations, there are resources and hotlines in Edmonton for Ukrainians and other groups. Ukrainians in Alberta (ukrainiansinalberta.ca) is a website that has comprehensive information about Ukrainian resources in Alberta, including information about housing, employment, education, and social events.
Ukraine Safe Haven (ukrainesafehaven.ca) is a resource for Ukrainian newcomers who arrived through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program. On this site, you will find questions and answers about settlement, language support, educational resources, and other critical information for Ukrainians.
Interest and Hobby Groups
Another great way to find people with similar experiences is to join groups based on your interests and hobbies. When you engage in activities you enjoy, you meet people who share your interests, and often these people are also newcomers.
Welcome Walks (YEG) is a new initiative designed specifically for newcomers and immigrants in Edmonton. It is a simple group that regularly organizes walks around the city. On these walks, people simply talk, get to know each other, and explore Edmonton's parks and streets. It's a very low-key group — no expectations, no rules, just people who want to walk and talk.
Meetup.com is a platform where people organize groups based on their interests. There are hundreds of groups on Meetup in Edmonton: groups for hiking enthusiasts, literature groups, yoga groups, board game groups, cycling groups. Many groups are welcoming to newcomers, and people often socialize after the main activity.
Eventbrite is a platform where events in Edmonton are organized. On Eventbrite, you can find cultural events, social gatherings, educational seminars, workshops, and speed dating events. Many of these events are designed to attract newcomers and immigrants.
Facebook local interest groups — In addition to groups for newcomers, Facebook has many groups for people with specific interests. For example, the Edmonton Trail Community is a group for people who enjoy hiking and walking. These groups often have regular meetings, and people become friends.
Volunteering as a way to find community
Volunteering is one of the most effective ways to not only find people with similar experiences, but also to build real, deep friendships. When you volunteer, you don't just meet people — you work together, you develop friendships based on shared work and common goals.
The EISA Volunteer Program has several different volunteering options. You can become a Mentor in the New Neighbors Program—you are already established in Edmonton, and you help a newcomer adapt. This requires 20 hours over three months, but you are helping someone go through what you yourself have gone through.
You can also become an English Conversation Circle Facilitator — you are a selected facilitator who helps a group of newcomers practice English. This requires a regular commitment over three months, but it gives you the opportunity to build a lasting community.
In addition to EISA, there are other volunteer opportunities in Edmonton. You can volunteer at museums, food banks, senior centers, parks, and community centers. Each of these opportunities allows you to meet other volunteers, who are often friendly people who want to help others, making them ideal friends.
Religious and spiritual communities
For many people, a church, mosque, temple, or synagogue is the first place they find another community in a new country. Religious communities often have a very developed social structure, organize regular events, and are very welcoming to newcomers.
If you are a religious person, your first dinner in the city should be at a religious institution located near your home. There you will find people who share your values, people who understand the importance of your faith to your identity, people who often have their own immigrant community.
Even if you are not religious but are interested in cultural exploration or simply want to find a community, religious institutions often organize educational events, cultural programs, and social gatherings that are open to everyone, regardless of religious beliefs.
Libraries and educational events
The Edmonton Public Library is not just a place to borrow books. It is one of Edmonton's community hubs. Libraries regularly organize events, language classes, and discussion groups where people gather around shared interests.
If you have children, children's programs at the library are a great way to meet other immigrant parents. During these programs, children play while parents talk to each other. Often after the program, parents exchange phone numbers and meet for coffee.
Practical steps for finding people
Now that you know about all the options, what is the most practical way to get started?
Step 1: Start online. This is the easiest, as you can do it from your couch. Join one or two Facebook groups for newcomers to Edmonton—Newcomer Centre or Edmonton, Alberta Newcomer Tips. Read a few posts to get a feel for the group. Then write a respectful greeting in the group describing who you are, where you are from, and what kind of people you are interested in meeting. People often respond in a friendly manner.
Step 2: If you know your culture, join a cultural organization. If you are from Ukraine, contact UCSS. If you are Muslim, find a mosque near your home and attend a prayer service. If you are from Africa, contact FOCAS. These organizations often have newcomers who have the same questions as you.
Step 3: Sign up for a program. Call EISA (780-474-8445) or the Newcomer Centre (780-424-7709) and ask about programs for newcomers. Ask about English Conversation Circles, the New Neighbors Program, and group events. These programs often have waiting lists, but they cost absolutely nothing.
Step 4: Join a group based on your interests. Check out Meetup.com or Eventbrite for groups related to your interests. Do you like to walk? Join Welcome Walks. Do you like to read? Find a book club. Are you interested in sports? Join a sports team.
Step 5: Volunteer. If you want a deeper sense of community, consider volunteering. It takes more time, but the rewards are much greater. You'll be working with people who share your values, people who are interested in helping others.
Conclusion: You don't have to be lonely
The short answer to the question “How do I find people with similar experiences to connect with in Edmonton?” is simple: there are many ways, and none of them require you to be a genius or a drama queen. You can start with Facebook, join a program, volunteer, join a group based on your interests, or simply go to a religious institution.
The most important thing is to take the first step—the decision to go out and reach out to another person. It can be scary. You may feel uncertain, afraid that people won't accept you, afraid that you won't belong. But all newcomers to Edmonton are familiar with these feelings. When you join a program for newcomers, when you come to the English Conversation Circle, when you join Welcome Walks, you are not coming to a group of lonely, empty people. You are coming to a group of other people who are also experiencing culture shock, who are also looking for friendship, who also want to find their place in this new world. And when you look into the eyes of another newcomer — someone who has also decided to come and try — you realize that you are not alone. You can tell her about your greatest fear, she can tell you about her experience, and suddenly both of you become a little less lonely. That moment, that first real connection with another person who understands you, is the beginning of their friendship, transforming your experience in Edmonton from utopian to much more manageable and enjoyable.