There is much excitement that comes with starting a new chapter in one's life, whether it is going to a new school for the first time, moving to a different area, beginning a new job, or anything similar. While the novelty of the situation is often very appealing, one of the most common anxieties about change is the potential for loneliness. This need not be an issue, though, as it is actually quite simple to make new friends.
It sounds rather cliché, but the most important thing a person can do when meeting new people, who could become good friends, is to remain true to one's own personality. In reality, there is no sense in pretending to have certain hobbies or share common dislikes just for the sake of finding common ground. In the end, any false "common ground" will eventually fall through, as you will not be able to keep up a facade.
Being true to yourself is also important because this is how lifelong friends are found. Friendship should be based on a solid foundation in which the friends truly enjoy one another's company. It is impossible to find this if a person fakes behavior in order to fit in with the group. In addition, completely congruent tastes are not absolutely necessary in order to have a healthy and fulfilling friendship--disagreements keep things interesting.
That being said, there are plenty of ways to actually go about meeting new friends. One of the most popular ways among young adults (of legal age, of course) is simply by going to the bar. Look online for bars in the area and see which nights are popular. Often, bars will host karaoke, trivia, or other themed nights that will attract many like-aged attendees. This is a great, casual, fun setting in which to meet others who are just out for a good time.
Trying to meet others on grounds that are more intellectual is a good idea as well, and though it may not seem so, there are plenty of ways to go about it. Try looking in the newspaper or online for a local book club that might meet at a nearby coffee shop or library. If this is not your bag, take a class just for fun. Better yet, if you are in school, approach some interesting people from class and try to organize a study party that may end is some sort of casual mixer when the study session has been completed.
There are also many hobby-based environments that are a great way to meet new friends because it is immediately known that you and the others like to spend time in the same fashion. Try going to the local basketball court and joining in on a game with others. Another idea is to visit a coffeehouse on open mic or acoustic night to check out some new music and find others who appreciate the same form of art.
These are merely some ideas and tips for how to go about meeting and procuring friends for the future. Too many people have anxiety about getting to know others, but in reality, everyone is in the same mental situation. Depending on what your hobbies are, there are plenty of options for where to go and what to do when trying to make friends. The most important thing is that, when entering a new social setting, a person remains true to his or her character.