I would add that I think checking out and joining smaller instances is also a great opportunity. Distributes the user load across servers and being one of fewer voices in an instance means you have a bigger say in who you federate with. You also get to be a third party instance to most of the big drama and don’t get judged just for your instance as much
Edit: also, if you like your instance, contribute to it!
Helped me get through my engineering degree. Absolutely the best maths education I’ve ever seen.
In a very different way to most of the answers on here so far:
A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence.
It’s simultaneously excruciatingly dull and mindbendingly interesting. A genuinely fascinating film, but requires a huge amount of focus and commitment from the viewer. Possibly my favourite film ever
Not seen anyone say this yet, but last year my partner and I were in a similar boat. Bumble (the dating app) has a “BFF” mode for making friends. It’s worked out amazingly for us and we now have a great group.
It can take a bit of persistence, and like dating, some won’t work out. But it’s a great way to meet potential friends, and even in relatively small cities you’ll find some people on there.
He did it twice. And it was very clear.