​Moving somewhere new can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Building a local network helps you feel at home faster, gives you support, and opens doors to new opportunities.

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Where to start:

Think about the kind of connections you’re looking for (friends, professional contacts, shared hobbies) and start showing up at events or meetups.

 

Quick ways to connect:

• Meetup for hobby groups and social events

• Internations for expat communities

• Eventbrite for local and professional networking events

• Search Facebook for expat and local community groups in your city

• Check for networking events connected to your home country (business hubs, cultural centers, expat associations)

• Check bulletin boards in cafés, libraries and coworking spaces

• Volunteer to meet like-minded people while giving back

 

Tip: Say yes more often in your first months — every event is a chance to meet someone who could become part of your new circle.