Definitely helps, though it sucks to be in situations where you don't know anyone but still got to go meet people!
Also, coming with friends can have a downside, where you don't spend any time meeting anyone new. I will often split up from whomever I arrived with to meet new people on my own — sometimes it's better to do it apart.
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I'll add something to this: tag along with a friend who knows a few people at whatever meetup you're attending.
Definitely helps, though it sucks to be in situations where you don't know anyone but still got to go meet people!
Also, coming with friends can have a downside, where you don't spend any time meeting anyone new. I will often split up from whomever I arrived with to meet new people on my own — sometimes it's better to do it apart.