When Australia’s early politicians were considering names for the nation’s new capital, they chose to turn their back on the tradition of paying tribute to an English dignitary. Instead, they chose Canberra, a word meaning “meeting place” in the local Ngunnawal language.

It’s obviously an apt description for a city in which our government routinely gathers to debate and decide the matters which underpin our society. But, when it comes to Canberra’s social scene, is ‘meeting place’ too generous? Is it really hard to get to know people in this place?

I’ve heard all sort of opinions…from Canberra being far more warm than ‘cliquey’ Sydney to it being described as “the loneliest place I’ve ever been.”

It depends largely, I think, on the circumstances in which you come to The Can.

I first came to Canberra as an 18 year old university student. Living on residences for three years, I got a built-in network of friends (and drinking buddies…but that’s another story!) Luckily, I was never lonely – in fact, there were quite a few times when I would have given my right arm for some time alone.

When I moved to Canberra for the second time, as a 26 year old, things were somewhat different. I moved here with my former partner, although he still worked back in the Riverina, so I was by myself four or five days per week.

Yes, it was lonely. But I knew sitting at home my myself wasn’t going to make things better in the ‘meeting people’ department.

So, first, I joined the gym and went every morning before work. Although I didn’t make any real ‘friends’ this way, I got to know people on a casual basis and it made me feel a little less isolated. It also filled in some long lonely hours.

I was lucky in the work department. My new job was with a government Communications Team, and there were plenty of outgoing colleagues my age who were willing to extend the hand of friendship.

Although a little reserved at first, I started accepting their invitations to social engagements and soon found myself one of the gang.

But it was moving to Kingston about a year later that really turned things around for me…living within walking distance of Green Square meant I’d see the same faces around the suburb on an almost daily basis. I’d say ‘hi!’ We started to meet for drinks occasionally…ok, most nights. That sense of familiarity appealed to my small town girl spirit, and I felt I’d found my niche.

Over 10 years on, the friends I found in the ‘Kingston gang’ are scattered around the country (and other parts of the globe) but our friendship remains. Some of the most special friendships I’ve ever made and I made them right here in The Can.

But what if you don’t have a large workplace at your fingertips? What if you come here as a single person? Or you’re a stay-at-home mum with young kids and you’d really like to meet people?

Here are some ideas on how to make Canberra a not-so-lonely place.

Join Meetup and find like-minded people – at last count there were 53 Meetup groups in the Canberra region. Everything from Singles groups to Entrepreneurs to Moviegoers to Raw Food enthusiasts….there really is a group for everyone!

Sign up for a short course with CIT Solutions – meet new friends while learning a foreign language or photography or massage!

Get into exercise – join a gym, take a dance class, or discover the wonders of Zumba! If you’re a mum, join in the morning exercise sessions at Lollipops Playland or get into Strollercise…

Cook up some friendships with a cooking class – there are great ones available all over the Capital. Try Cooking Coordinates, Deakin Thai Cuisine and 3 Seeds for some great opportunities to combine a love of food and eating with social contact.

Find a Playgroup near you. I’ve made some brilliant friends through our Playgroup – my kids have too! It’s a fab way to meet people in your area with kids the same age.

Join Twitter – You’ll be amazed at how many Canberra tweeps you’ll meet online sooner than in real life…

Join in the conversation on HerCanberra! I really want this site to become an online community – so have your say here or on Facebook. The more people chat, the more people you’ll get to know!

If you’ve moved to Canberra from elsewhere, do you think it deserves its reputation as a place where it’s hard to meet people? How have your found your network of friends?