How to Make New Friends in a New City

Moving abroad for your first year of college is an exciting experience that comes with a wide range of firsts, including leaving behind the friends and family you have at home. That means that one of the biggest worries you may have is how to make friends in a new city. 

But fear not! You’re not alone, and making friends abroad is much easier than you may think. Not only will you have the chance to live in a new country and experience immersive learning as a CIEE First Year Abroad participant, but you’ll also forge lifelong friendships with those you meet overseas.  

Here are six tips to help you get out of your comfort zone and make new friends abroad!  

1. Pick Up a New Hobby  

If you’re wondering how to make new friends, picking up a new hobby is a fun way to do so! The best hobbies to try while living abroad allow you to learn more about the local culture while meeting like-minded people. Some exciting hobbies you may be interested in include: cooking classes, dance lessons, hiking trips, and art courses, to name a few.  

You can find group-oriented activities through social media posts, on public bulletins like at the local library, through the community center and at your CIEE center abroad. 

2. Become a Regular at a Café  

Cafés are a favorite spot for many international students for a few reasons. Not only do they offer a great place to grab a cup of coffee, but they can also provide a cozy spot to study or read a good book. Many cafés host community events like live music, poetry readings, etc.  

While you’re there, you’ll have the chance to meet and interact with the staff and other regulars, which could open the door to meeting new friends just from visiting your local coffee shop.  

3. Join a Book Club  

Joining a book club is an excellent opportunity to get out and be social. You’ll meet an entirely new group of people while getting lost in the story of a good book and engaging in thoughtful conversation.  

And if you’re really up for the challenge, it can be a positive way to practice reading in the local language surrounded by others who are learning too or may even be native speakers ready to help you with any language questions. 

4. Organize a Get-Together with Neighbors  

Another excellent option for those curious about how to meet friends in a new city is to make an effort to meet your neighbors (if you’re staying with a host family). The people closest to you can be great companions for exploring the neighborhood together and engaging in cultural exchange. 

They’re also close by for game nights, movie nights and get-togethers.  

5. Participate in Local Excursions  

Local activities and community events can also help you meet new people while soaking up the culture of your host country. These kinds of events are often advertised at local libraries, gyms and other public places.  

Students on a CIEE First Year Abroad program often participate in day and/or overnight trips programmed as part of the experience. First Year Abroad participants may visit nearby cities, natural wonders and historical landmarks.  

If you’re interested in making new friends, you should make the effort to attend these events!  

6. Connect with CIEE Participants  

During your program, make the most of the opportunity to network with both current and former CIEE students. Your fellow participants can become lifelong friends, sharing the same ups and downs of study abroad life. At the same time, CIEE alums offer support, advice and a sense of community as you navigate this new adventure. 

You might also be surprised by how small the world feels once you move abroad. It’s possible you already know someone living nearby. Before you go, reach out to friends and family to see if there are any mutual connections in your host country. It could open doors to even more meaningful experiences! 

Find Friends for Life on Your First Year Abroad 

One of the most exciting things about traveling abroad is the opportunity to meet new people from all different walks of life. While on your First Year Abroad program with CIEE, you’ll make meaningful relationships with local students and expats. Not to mention, your participation in a CIEE program connects you to a wide network of alums, opening the doors to exciting professional opportunities in the future.  

Explore the different First Year Abroad programs and start planning your first year of your college career abroad.