Bonus point: As well as posting, search the group for similar messages posted in the last few months. They may still be looking to make friends and better yet, might have already met people they can introduce you to!

Extra tip: see if any of the Facebook groups have dedicated Whatsapp groups. I find these better for on-the-day events. Once in Porto, some messages popped up from a few people organising a picnic. I was nearby so went along and made two friends who I still see months later!

2. Language groups (if applicable)

This applies if you’ve moved to a new city where people speak a different first language. Firstly, you’ll want/need to know it but secondly, it’s a great way to meet new people in a new city. Consider:

• Language classes – formal settings with a teacher.
• Language meetups – informal social meetups where the focus is improving language skills. Often free.

Both have their benefits! I ended up in a language exchange WhatsApp group in Mexico City with Spanish and English speakers of varying abilities. They held big group meetups but I also arranged a few one-on-one cafe meetups. This might be better if you’re shy about going to a meetup alone.

3. Meetup app

Check out Meetup which is a website, and now a mobile app, based on… you guessed it… Lees verder →